The Spurs were the only team to win their final game in the playoffs last season, and until we see some big problems in San Antonio, they merit the top spot in our first ESPN.com Power Rankings of the 1999-2000 hoops season, completed before preseason games began.
Remember, all teams have the same regular-season record now, at least until Nov. 2. The fact that some teams have a good first week of the preseason or bad first week, it's all meaningless until the games count.
Don't agree with our rankings? Well, we were hoping you'd say that. To let us know your own thoughts in these rankings, click here and give us a few Rank Comments of your own.
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Team
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1998 Rec.
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ESPN.com skinny
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1. Spurs
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37-13
(Won NBA title)
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Tops for now. Terry Porter is the perfect addition to this down-to-earth bunch.
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2. Trail Blazers
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35-15
(Lost conf. final)
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Pippen fits right in at the 3. If Dunleavy can preach teamwork, this team is special.
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3. Lakers
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31-19
(Lost conf. semis)
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League's most underachieving team now has a coach with something to prove.
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4. Suns
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27-23
(Lost first round)
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Yes, the West really is this loaded. Penny and Kidd will be a real treat (on offense).
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5. Jazz
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37-13
(Lost conf. semis)
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Like the Pacers, this is swan song for key players. Can Mailman still deliver?
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6. Pacers
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33-17
(Lost conf. final)
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The East is so average these Pacers may actually make first trip to Finals. Maybe...
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7. Rockets
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31-19
(Lost first round)
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Frankly, getting Francis and Anderson offsets Pippen. This team could make a long run.
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8. Hornets
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26-24
(Missed playoffs)
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Strange pick? Not really. Full season of Elden and Eddie, and Baron to run things.
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9. Knicks
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27-23
(Lost NBA Finals)
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New season, same ol' Sprewell. How long can this marriage last? Ewing's health drops team to 9. |
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10. Kings
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27-23
(Lost first round)
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Great starting five, more mature Williams, but defensive problems need to be solved.
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11. Heat
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33-17
(Lost first round)
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Riles didn't do much in the offseason, though he tried. Maybe it's time to start over.
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12. Timberwolves
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25-25
(Lost first round)
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Garnett's great, Brandon's solid, Szczerbiak and Avery will help, but Nesterovic's key.
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13. 76ers
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28-22
(Lost conf. semis)
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Same team here, but Iverson, Snow have to keep up crazy pace for 30 more games.
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14. Nuggets
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14-36
(Missed playoffs)
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Sleeper team adds Mercer, McCloud and healthy LaFrentz to McDyess and Van Exel.
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15. Nets
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16-34
(Missed playoffs)
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Marbury becomes a star in New York area. Look for Muresan comeback. Really.
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16. Raptors
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23-27
(Missed playoffs)
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Frontline rocks with Antonio Davis, Willis, Oak and Carter. But point guard situation's weak.
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17. Bucks
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28-22
(Lost first round)
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Ray Allen has game. Big Dog can play. Cassell has his moments. Karl needs results.
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18. Hawks
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31-19
(Lost conf. semis)
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If Terry jells at the point, bump this team up a few spots. Otherwise, big problems.
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19. Cavaliers
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22-28
(Missed playoffs)
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New coach, new point guard, new running system. Health of Ilgauskas big key.
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20. Sonics
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25-25
(Missed playoffs)
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Can't imagine Payton is happy with Brent Barry at 2 and Horace Grant at center.
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21. Celtics
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19-31
(Missed playoffs)
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Like the Fortson addition, but Potapenko and Anderson are still here. Pitino's on hot seat.
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22. Pistons
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29-21
(Lost first round)
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First Bison Dele and Derek Harper retire. If only Jerry Stackhouse would be next.
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23. Wizards
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18-32
(Missed playoffs)
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Maybe we're selling them short, but something always goes wrong. This year it's Austin.
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24. Warriors
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21-29
(Missed playoffs)
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This was dreadful shooting team last year. Blaylock's supposed to help that?
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25. Mavericks
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19-31
(Missed playoffs)
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Gotta hand it to Nelson. Has managed to do very little but maintains league-wide respect.
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26. Clippers
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9-41
(Missed playoffs)
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Will Odom be league's best rookie or Clips' latest lottery bust? Will Kandi man improve?
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27. Grizzlies
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8-42
(Missed playoffs)
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Best guard is running the show in Houston. Rest of team will be in Missouri soon.
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28. Bulls
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13-37
(Missed playoffs)
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Maybe Brand will be a stud. More likely that team will only win when Kukoc goes off.
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29. Magic
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33-17
(Lost first round)
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Not easy to go from 33 wins in 50 games to this junk. Even the Marlins didn't implode this fast.
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